Read on for all of DiMartinos thoughts, and purchaseWarrior Geniushere.
But I didnt want the drawings in my books to be typical spot illustrations created by an omniscient artist.
I was inspired by Selznicks storytelling to do something a little different with my illustrations.
Roaring Brook Press
I decided I would have the images come from Giacomo’s sketchbook, drawn in his hand.
But for this project, I had to approach my drawings a different way.
I hit a few stumbling blocks while illustrating the first book.
Michael Dante DiMartino
Some of my initial sketches looked too much like animation drawings, rather than sketchbook renderings.
One example of this is the construction of the shapes.
To explain the worlds sacred geometry-based magic system, I show step-by-step how the characters create various forms.
Michael Dante DiMartino
These will vary from small, spot illustrations to larger, full-page renderings.
In deciding what to illustrate, I had to take a few liberties.
Many times, Giacomos sketch is an image hes drawing during a scene in the book.
Michael Dante DiMartino
One inspiration for this style wasMiss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children, by Ransom Riggs.
I loved the different use of photography as an illustration.
I experimented with various Photoshop brushes but wasnt happy with the look I was getting.
Michael Dante DiMartino
Then I discovered Kyle T. Websters brushes, which faithfully recreate all types of drawing media.
I found a few that mimicked graphite and charcoal and set to work.
My first test sketch shows Giacomo with the city of Virenzia behind him.
Michael Dante DiMartino
I ended up using the city backdrop as an illustration in the first book.
Niccolos Villa,Warrior Genius
I begin with a rough sketch to figure out composition and layout.
But forWarrior Genius, I was able to incorporate the drawings with the text in more exciting ways.
Michael Dante DiMartino
I was trying to emulate illuminated manuscripts from the Middle Ages.
Michael Dante DiMartino
Michael Dante DiMartino
Michael Dante DiMartino
